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Paul George, Pacers topple Mavericks on the road

DALLAS — It was a proper opportunity for a letdown. Not that the Indiana Pacers had been playing with the mindset that Danny Granger would return to the lineup this season, but the official word of his season

Not that the Indiana Pacers had been playing with the mindset that Danny Granger would return to the lineup this season, but the official word of his season ending coming hours before their tip off against the Dallas Mavericks could have played mind games with them.

But during a time in the season where mental toughness is just as important as execution and conditioning, the Pacers weren't going to let that news set them back.

Their main focus is to continue to get better as they head into the playoffs and get the highest seed possible.

That's why they brushed the news to the side and did what they were supposed to do against the Mavericks.

And it started – and ended – with the Pacers' best all-around player.

All-Star swingman Paul George scored 24 points to lead the Pacers to a comfortable 103-78 victory over the Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Thursday.

The Pacers are 2-0 on their four-game road trip. They travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns on Saturday.

"I'm very pleased with both wins," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "Two tough buildings to win in, no other way to put it. Good basketball team we played tonight. I'm very impressed with our guys' effort, determination and focus."

It's not that the Pacers won't miss Granger, but it's like they've never had him this season. That's why it wasn't shocking that several players weren't aware Granger will have surgery on his left knee at some point in the coming days.

They know it's about the players they have available if they expect to be able to get the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Vogel gave a brief speech during the pregame film session about his belief in the players they have in the locker room.

"Whether Danny came back or not, we weren't interested in picking up another wing at the trade deadline because we believe in the depth we have at the wing spot," Vogel said.

The win moved the Pacers' percentage points ahead of the New York Knicks for the second seed.

While the Pacers didn't get Granger back Thursday, they did get power forward David West back.

West, who missed six straight games with a lower back sprain, had seven points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes. The blowout victory allowed Vogel to rest West the entire fourth quarter.

George, like he's done all season, has no problem continuing to score on offense and defend the opposing team's best perimeter player.

He took things over in the third quarter when the Pacers blew the game open.

George scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting while making 36-year-old Vince Carter look like a washed up player.

"I just wanted to be aggressive," George said. "I was looking for opportunities to attack and try to get lay ups. I'm trying to transition to attack and get to the rim."

The Pacers went from being tied at the half to heading into the final quarter with a 75-58 lead. They shot 70 percent from the field in the third quarter while holding Dallas to 35 percent.

"It started with getting stops and when you attack before the defense is set, you usually get better looks," Vogel said. "I thought Paul made some great passes in that quarter to find guys open. And when they stayed home on shooters, he attacked and scored."

George put on a dominating performance in his trip to Dallas last season, too. He went off for 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals to give a glimpse to what could happen this season.

"I love this building," George said. "I love the weather, too. You wake up to some sun and your whole body feels good."